Shenzhen Ruiyi Model Technology Co., Ltd. often uses silicone replica molds to make prototypes. Silicone replica molds are also the first choice for making small-batch prototype models before mold opening. Many industrial products, such as auto parts, robots, and medical equipment , 3C products, from a concept or idea to a mature mass-produced physical product, require planning and development personnel to continuously identify problems and improve product planning. However, the price of making molds is high, often tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands for a set of steel molds; and the production time is long. What makes it more difficult for planners and developers is that if the planning is wrong, it will cause a lot of unnecessary losses. Waste, so before opening the mold, a small batch of silicone replica mold prototypes will be a good way to check whether the new product is qualified and avoid unnecessary losses.

What is vacuum molding?

Vacuum injection molding is vacuum molding, also called silicone molding. That is, the castables are degassed, mixed, preheated, and molded under vacuum conditions, and then the secondary solidification molding process is carried out in a constant temperature oven at 60°C-80°C for 2-3 hours. The product can reach the strength and hardness of ABS and other raw materials, and can also be equipped with color and copy molds according to customer requirements. It is suitable for small batch imitation of plastic parts in the product development process. The structure is relatively complex, the wall thickness is uniform, and it meets certain functional and appearance requirements. Small batch samples are produced.

Process flow of prototype silicone replica mold:

1. Prototype production: According to the 3D drawings provided by the customer, the prototype is produced through CNC processing, SLA laser rapid prototyping or 3D printing.

2. Make a silicone mold: Weigh components A and B according to a mass ratio of 1:1 and put them into the pouring machine. After vacuum degassing for 10 minutes, pour component B into component A, mix thoroughly, and degas under vacuum for 4 minutes. Above, pour the mixed material into the silicone mold, hold the pressure for about 3 minutes, take the mold out of the pouring machine, put it in an oven at 75°C to solidify for 45 minutes to 60 minutes, cool at room temperature for 5 minutes to 10 minutes, and then demould. The PU resin sample was cured at 70°C for 10 h, and finally the sample was annealed under vacuum conditions at 120°C for 10 h to obtain a silicone mold.

3. Vacuum pouring: Inject the liquid resin material into the silicone mold, and cure it in a constant temperature oven at 60°-70° for 30-60 minutes before demoulding. If necessary, in a constant temperature oven at 70°-80° Allow 2-3 hours for secondary curing. Under normal circumstances, the service life of silicone molds is 15-20 times.

The main features of small batch silicone replica prototypes:

1. The silicone mold does not deform or shrink; it is resistant to high temperatures and can be used repeatedly after molding; it provides convenience for product production.

2. Silicone molds are of high quality and low price, and the production cycle is relatively short, which can prevent unnecessary losses before opening the mold.

Which products are suitable for vacuum molding?

Personalized products require small quantities and complex structures, and it is not cost-effective to produce traditional steel molds, such as auto parts, robots, medical equipment, and 3C electronic products.

What is the price of vacuum molding?

The price of vacuum molding is generally determined by the product size, product structure, material and surface requirements. The details must be communicated with the business based on the drawings.